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[Commission for Edward R. Archer as a Third Assistant Engineer in the U.S. Navy]

Commission appointing Archer as Third Assistant Engineer in the U.S. Navy as of June 26th 1856.

GLC01896.017

[Navy Department orders for Edward Archer]

Request for a signature on Archer's oath of office.

GLC01896.018

[Navy Department orders to report for duty]

Orders to proceed to Norfolk, Va. and report to Captain Dornin for duty onboard the U.S. Steam Frigate Roanoke.
Co-signed by Thomas A. Dornin on 1857/04/17 and by J.B. Montgomery [?] on 1857/05/04, certifying that Archer reported for duty.

GLC01896.019

to Edward R. Archer

Grants Archer a one week extension for a leave of absence.

GLC01896.020

[Navy Department orders to report for duty]

Orders to report for duty to the USFS Powhatan. Co-signed by Thomas A. Dornin on 1857/09/24, certifying that Archer reported for duty.

GLC01896.021

to Edward R. Archer

Advises Archer to contact "the purser on whose books [his] name is borne" regarding any funds deposited with him. Also states that the U.S. Steam Frigate "Roanoke's" purser has not yet transferred Archer's account.

GLC01896.022

to Edward R. Archer

Grants Archer leave of absence for three months and detachment from U.S.F.S Powhatan.

GLC01896.036

to Edward R. Archer

Orders to porceed to Philadelphia by September 18, 1860 to face examination for promotion to First Assistant Engineer.

GLC01896.038

to Edward R. Archer

Response to Archer's letter explaining reasons for his resignation from the U.S. Navy, expressing sadness over Archer's resignation and wishing him good luck.

GLC01896.042

to Isaac Toucey

Archer's formal resignation request. Marked "copy" in upper left corner.

GLC01896.043

to Edward R. Archer

Acceptance of Archer's resignation from the U.S. Navy.

GLC01896.044

to Edward R. Archer Esq.

Thanks Archer for the history he sent of the 42 pounder "Columbiad" cannon which sits in front of the State, War, & Navy Department Building as an ornament, asks if Archer is related to "Edward K. Archer" who resigned from the navy in 1860, compares...

GLC01896.139

[Membership certificate of The American National Red Cross]

Certificate of The American National Red Cross as a "Life Member."
Signed by Red Cross Secretary C.S. Magee and President Woodrow Wilson. With a printed signature of President Wilson.

GLC01896.146

Archive of Confederate naval operations: Va. volunteer navy, Tredegar Iron Works
[decimalized .001-.206]

Overall dates 1817-1907 but bulk is 1856-1900. Includes Archer and Jeffery Family papers (100 and 57 items, respectively). The prime parts of this archive concern the service in the U.S. Navy before the Civil War, and the Volunteer Virginia...

GLC01896

to Mr. Gates & Mr. Leater

After an Indian named Ocula Powell accosted General Thompson and accused him of intruding in his country, Thompson arrested Powell, confined him to the guard house, and demanded an apology and assurances of his future good conduct. After he initially...

GLC01896.010

[Request for examination by the board of Naval Engineers]

Requests that Archer report to Daniel B. Martin, Esq., Chief Engineer, to be examined by the Board of Engineers. The form is to be given to the care of J.R. Anderson, Esqr., Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Document co-signed by Daniel B. Martin...

GLC01896.016

to Edward R. Archer

Three separate entries [one written by Robert Archer, another by Frances Archer, and the third by an unidentified writer which is incomplete] to their son, Edward, all written on the same date. Mr. Archer writes of his son's arrival in Madina...

GLC01896.023

to Edward Archer

Astonishment and joy over Sue's marriage to William [Jones], the sentiments of Kate, Sally, and Dr. A., news of family and friends, construction of a new Catholic church, Richard [Jeffery]'s request for Chinese pegs and Edward's bad fortune in love...

GLC01896.024

to Edward R. Archer, Esqr.

Envelope is addressed to "E.R. Archer, 3rd Assit. Engineer, U.S.S. Steam Ship Powhatan, Hong Kong, China. / Care of [illegible] Speiden, Naval Store [illegible] / Answered Jan'y 14th/[18]59." Reverse: "Written 6th Octr. / Rcd. 29th December/[18]58...

GLC01896.026

to Edward Richard Archer

Thanks and praise from the Chief Engineer to Archer for his good service while working together. "It affords me great pleasure to be able to state that...the assistance you so cheerfully rendered at all times, your high professional attainments...

GLC01896.030

to Edward Richard Archer

Praise from a lieutenant serving on the steamer "Soeyman" for Archer for his good service. "It gives me pleasure to State that your correct department, your qualifications for, and attention to, your duties during the time & over three months you...

GLC01896.031

to [Edward R. Archer]

Regarding events that occured in the summer and fall last including: in June, the death of their cousin, Mary Williamson, and also of "Lucy's Jesse," Roberta giving birth to another girl, Archer's marriage in July, Kate's bout with Typhoid fever in...

GLC01896.032

to J.B. Montgomery

To Flag Officer J.B. Montgomery, Commanding Pacific Squadron. Requesting letters of recommendation needed by Assistant Engineers Archer, City, and Dungan to present to the Board of Examining Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress...

GLC01896.033

to Edward R. Archer

Response to Archer's request for a letter of recommendation needed to present to the Board of Examing Engineers for promotions. According to an Act of Congress, a letter of recommendation is needed from the ship's commander that the assistant...

GLC01896.034

to E.R. Archer

Two letters, one from Chief Engineer Shock and the other from Captain Pearson, regarding Archer's decision to resign his position as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Both men express their regret about his decision but laud him with praise for his...

GLC01896.035

to Isaac Toucey

Notification of having received letter granting leave of absence from Toucey. "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of my detachment, granting me a leave of Absence of three months from the 16th August." Marked "copy" in upper left corner.

GLC01896.037

to Isaac Toucey

Notification of having received from Toucey orders to report for duty in Philadelphia, and decision to decline promotion in order to resign from service. "...I respectfully decline it, having determined to engage in private business, I therefore...

GLC01896.040

to Samuel Archibald

Explaining reasons for his resignation to the Engineer in Chief of the U.S. Navy, and pride felt of serving in the Engineer Corps. "Since my return from the East Indies, in the "Powhatan", I have determined to pursue a private life with a view of...

GLC01896.041

to Samuel J. Harrison

Application for the position of Chief Engineer "on board the steamer to be commanded by Captain Dacey Va Volunteer Navy." Lists qualifications, former service record, and references enclosed testimonials of his qualifications. Docket on verso:...

GLC01896.057

[Recommendation for E.R. Archer]

Recommendation and certification of Archer's qualifications as a machinist written by J. R. Anderson, owner of the Tredegar works [on Tredegar Iron Works letterhead]. Pencil notation on verso: "letter of J R Anderson & Co Certifying my...

GLC01896.058

to Steven R. Mallory

Letter of introduction and requesting permission for Edward R. Archer to go before a tribunal examination. "The bearer, Mr. E.R. Archer has been duly appointed by the Board of Directors of this company (Virginia Volunteer Navy Company) 1st Assistant...

GLC01896.061

to Edward R. Archer

Certifies Archer's examination and commissioned appointment as First Assistant Engineer in the Virginia Volunteer Navy.

GLC01896.062

to Edward R. Archer

Letter of transit written for Archer granting him permission to sail from any Confederate port to Europe. Written on offical paper with "Confederate States of America, War Department" letterhead. Seddon was Confederate secretary of war. On the...

GLC01896.063

[Passport] [in Spanish]

Passport, in Spanish, granted to Edward R. Archer for travel without hindrance from Nassau to Havana aboard "la Goleta Lola." Green Spanish stamp on verso with docket. Palacios was Mexican consul in the Bahamas. Written from the Port of Nassau, in...

GLC01896.064

to his mother

Archer writes to his mother, Frances, from England where he has sailed in the steamer C. S. S. Hawk in order to sell it at auction. His spirits are very low as he discusses the damage done by the failure of the "scheme to establish the V[irginia]. V...

GLC01896.071

to his father

Archer announces that the "Hawk" has been sold at public auction for a little more than ten thousand pounds, leaving a balance of more than five thousand pounds outstanding to cover travel costs. A ship built for a "particular" purpose [blockade...

GLC01896.072

to Mr. Newcomb

Written on Archer's return from Cuba through the blockade around Florida. First half of the letter details his belief that the war was lost because of the failure of the public to support the war effort. "...[I]f the people had have stood by them...

GLC01896.076

to W.W. Dungan

Letter seeking to renew friendship with W. W. Dungan, one of Archer's friends from his service in the U. S. Navy before the war. "Now since the war is ended and the South has returned her allegiance to the United States, are feelings of wrath, envy...

GLC01896.078

to his sister

Details Archer's life from his departure from London bound for Bermuda on June 13, 1864 to his return from Florida through the blockade on March 23, 1865. "...[I] made every narrow escape from, starving to death, and being eaten up by alligators..."...

GLC01896.079

[Bank exchange notes]

Bank exchange notes (numbered--2 and 3 respectively), each detailing a payment to Edward R. Archer the sum of "Eighteen pounds Seven Shillings and Sixpence Sterling," from the account of "Messrs. Baring Bros. Co." of London. First National Bank.

GLC01896.083

to friend Paddon

Requesting information about the process of pressing and refining the surplus coal at the Tredegar Iron Works into a saleable product for steamers through compression into blocks that burn longer and produce more steam than unrefined bituminous coal...

GLC01896.084

[Checks from the Union Bank of Richmond]

All checks are made out to and signed by "E.R. Archer" and differ in amounts. Each check also has either a green or orange cancelled 3 cent stamp on it. The date and amount of each cancelled check is as follows:

a. 26 July 1873. One Hundred and...

GLC01896.093

to Edward R. Archer

Condolences and discussion of the late Robert Archer. City reminisces with Edward Archer about his father, whom he didn't know intimately but considered himself an aquaintance. "This aquaintance was very much increased by the long chats which you and...

GLC01896.099

[Itemized list of furniture]

"List no. 4" which itemizes furniture with monetary amount for each item. The list contains such items as "one Parlour armchair," "oil painting - Samson," "one Mahogany Bureau," and "7 beds." Overall, all fourteen items are tabulated to fetch $57.00...

GLC01896.101

[Itemized list of furniture]

Numbered list 5. Itemized "list of articles drawn at the division of furniture," with monetary amount for each item. The list contains such items as "one small sofa, Parlour," "1 pr. End tables," "one odd washstand," and "one Feather Bed." Overall...

GLC01896.102

[Itemized list of furniture]

Numbered list 8. Itemized list of furniture with monetary amount for each item. The list contains such items as "3 Parlour chairs," "1 pr curtains in Parlour," and "1 F. Bed." List is incomplete, only listing twelve items. In the upper right corner...

GLC01896.103

to [Edward R. Archer]

Impending Bankruptcy of the Vulcan Iron Works, William's financial woes and his attempts to remedy the situation. Written on "Vulcan Iron Works" stationery: "Manufacturers of Every Variety of Bolts. Nuts and Washers, Iron Railings. Iron Works for...

GLC01896.104

[Envelope addressed to Edward R. Archer]

Addressed: "Edward R. Archer, Esqr., Care [of] Me[ssrs.] Brown & Shipley, London [illegible]." The envelope has a forwarding slip affixed over this reading: "Care of Lombard, Odier & Co., Geneva." Scrawled in pencil are the Received and Answered...

GLC01896.105

to [Edward R. Archer]

Expressing sympathy about the loss of Archer's father [Robert]. Referring to the highly commendable content contained in the eulogy, Dungan writes: "...it is a legacy which you have every reason to be proud of."

GLC01896.106

to [Edward R. Archer]

Advice on "...solicit[ing] subscriptions for the mining business..." Jeffery recommends trying around Lynchburg or Norfolk.

GLC01896.108